Cameron’s view on Culpepper situation puts team first

By Danny Dabiri  |   Wednesday, June 20, 2007  |  Comments( 30 )

Miami Dolphins
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
"Until a guy is 100 percent, it is not fair to evaluate him. That's the approach. Keep it simple. When the guy is 100 percent, evaluate him and then go from there," said Miami Dolphins head coach Cam Cameron last month when asked about quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

A couple weeks later, the team acquired veteran QB Trent Green from the Kansas City Chiefs. Green is a player whom Cameron has coveted since his arrival in Miami. The acquisition of Green was a clear indicator that Culpepper's days with the Dolphins were numbered.

There can be little doubt that Cameron had convinced himself that Culpepper was not the right man for the job long before making the aforementioned statement. Cameron's history of developing and coaching quarterbacks led him to the conclusion that Culpepper was not a viable option under center.

A new head coach should certainly have the right to determine whom he wants leading his team, and it's clear that Cameron didn't think there was room for Culpepper. Cameron's comfortable with Green as his starter; he saw enough in rookie John Beck to draft him in the second round of April's draft. Beck and the inexperienced Cleo Lemon will be groomed under the 37-year-old Green.

In the NFL, rookie head coaches have a brief honeymoon period and a limited window of time to produce positive results. If Cameron doesn't want Culpepper to be part of his project, that's the coach's prerogative.

Cameron's decision to disguise his true intentions for Culpepper was made in the best interest of the franchise. The Dolphins still hope to trade Culpepper, even though Cameron isn't admitting it. If he did, it would diminish the signal-caller's trade value.

Before you try to compare Cameron's fibs to his predecessor, Nick Saban, keep in mind that there's a huge difference between the two. Saban's false statements to fans and media were made for his own personal gain. On the other hand, Cameron's unforthcoming quote was directly intended to put the team first.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (30)

Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report